Mother, young Barcaldine is true and brave.

I know that MacPhadraick counselled him that he should not let me take leave of you, lest you dissuaded me from my purpose; but he said, 'Hamish MacTavish is the son of a brave man, and he will not break his word.' Mother, Barcaldine leads an hundred of the bravest of the sons of the Gael in their native dress, and with their fathers' arms--heart to heart--shoulder to shoulder.

I have sworn to go with him.
He has trusted me, and I will trust him." At this reply, so firmly and resolvedly pronounced, Elspat remained like one thunderstruck, and sunk in despair.

The arguments which she had considered so irresistibly conclusive, had recoiled like a wave from a rock.

After a long pause, she filled her son's quaigh, and presented it to him with an air of dejected deference and submission.
"Drink," she said, "to thy father's roof-tree, ere you leave it for ever; and tell me--since the chains of a new King, and of a new chief, whom your fathers knew not save as mortal enemies, are fastened upon the limbs of your father's son--tell me how many links you count upon them ?" Hamish took the cup, but looked at her as if uncertain of her meaning.
She proceeded in a raised voice.